The Bombay high court on 21st July questioned the logic behind not allowing actors and crew members above 65 years of age on film sets during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. It wondered how such senior citizens can lead dignified lives if they are not permitted to earn their livelihood.
Actor Pramod Pandey, who is 70 years old, had filed a writ petition against the government of Maharashtra’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of 30th May and 23rd June, which laid down guidelines for shooting films and TV serials during the COVID-19 lockdown. The division bench of Justices S.J. Kathawalla and R.I. Chagla directed the state to file an affidavit in reply, explaining how a physically fit person of 65 years or more is expected to lead a dignified life if he is not allowed to venture out to earn a livelihood. The bench sought details from the state as to whether any reports were taken into consideration before issuing guidelines and if a similar rule was made applicable to those senior citizens travelling by various modes of transport including buses, trains or flights or those who were attending shops or offices or those who were allowed to attend wedding receptions or funerals. The court also asked the state if it would take care of those cast and crew members who were rendered unemployed because of the 65-year cut-off rule.
Pramod Pandey told the court, he had worked in the film industry as an actor and writer since 40 years. The matter has been posted for further hearing on 24th July.
